2023 Honda Civic Type R Australian pricing and timing confirmed

UPDATE: Honda Australia confirms drive-away pricing, and expected local arrival, for 2023 Civic Type R

Even Honda is excited about its upcoming new Civic Type R, having described it upon global reveal as its "best-ever front-wheel-drive sports model".

Today, Honda Australia has confirmed local order books will be opened from December 1, 2022, and will be available from launch priced at $72,600* drive-away.

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The new 11th-generation FL5 Civic Type R will be powered by a development of the 10th-generation's K20C1 motor, producing 235kW @6500rpm and 420Nm @2600-4000rpm. This represents a 7kW/20Nm improvement over the existing FK8 Civic Type R.

In true Type R fashion, an improved version of the existing Type R's lauded six-speed manual transmission will be the only gearbox on offer.

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A standard fit safety suite includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition system, intelligent speed limiter, driver attention monitor and added knee airbags for front occupants.

Elsewhere, Australian-spec 2023 Civic Type Rs will include:

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Australian customer deliveries are expected to commence from early 2023, with order books opening at your local Honda Centre from December 1.

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July 21: 2023 Honda Civic Type R revealed

Here it is! After numerous spy shots, and even an accidental leak on Honda’s own website, we finally have eyes on the ‘planned production’ version of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R – and it’s already confirmed for Australia!

The global reveal video (above) minces no words, with Honda boldly stating:

“We created the best-ever front-wheel-drive sports model that strikes a chord with the customer’s instincts”.

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An enhanced version of the previous generation’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder K20C1 motor will power the latest Type R, along with its vaunted six-speed manual transmission with rev matching.

Ultimate power outputs have been confirmed, with the new Type R producing 235kW @ 6500rpm and 420Nm @ 2600-4000rpm.

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Technical innovations centred around three developmental goals set for the 2023 Civic Type R. It had to be the 'fastest’ front-engined front-driven Honda yet; while also offering an ‘addictive feel’ to the driver, but also a ‘secure feel’ in terms of high-speed stability and imbuing trust in the chassis.

The smoothed-over styling contributes much to the new Type R’s development targets. The new car is based off the 11th-generation Civic and all but verifies previously leaks.

The more approachable styling will no doubt be more palatable to a wider range of buyers (those that are still open to driving a manual), but also contributes to aerodynamics in meaningful ways.

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Pumped guards emphasise the low-slung silhouette, signalling sporting intent while also housing a wider track for a more planted feel.

The towering box spoiler of old has been replaced by a single blade wing mounted atop newly die-cast aluminium wing stays, while lightweight and high-strength body panels contribute to stability at speed.

Revealed in the Type R’s signature Championship White paint, Honda states that a new Sonic Grey Pearl colour has been added to the palette.

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Inside the cabin, the signature red seats return, upholstered in a bespoke new shade. Lashings of red adds theatre to the cabin ambience that is immediately clear as the driver opens the door.

Slink into the polyhedral formed seats, and a black dashboard motif removes all possible distractions from the driver. There's a new teardrop-shaped gear shifter in place of the old ball knob, and we can also spy Honda’s 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system included.

The digital instrument cluster also features an array of new graphics, including a revised rev counter along with dedicated +R mode-exclusive designs.

Honda’s LogR program tracks real-time telemetry to feedback crucial driver information. The LogR program also supports “the sharing of driving videos”, possibly hinting at some sort of video capture and sharing function.

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When will the 2023 Civic Type R come to Australia?

Honda Australia expects the new Civic Type R to arrive on local shores in early 2023. Further details, including pricing, will be released closer to launch.

It might be a case of evolution rather than revolution, when even its predecessor was regarded as a benchmark front-driver, but we can fully expect that the new 2023 Civic Type R will be something special.

So when can we drive it, Honda?

NOTE: Click any image in this story for more photos of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R.